Heated pool, gym, billiards, foosball, ping-pong tables, and football fields as far as the eye can see. Hansi Flick is convinced that St. George’s Park has hosted the best preseason since his arrival at Barcelona in 2024. And, while a year ago Flick summarized his philosophy with a phrase that went viral – “Egos kill success” – twelve months later, with eight world champions, the German is convinced that his experience will be an added value. “Champions know how to win titles. It’s very important,” he stated. A discourse that reinforces the coach’s conviction that this Barcelona has more talent and a more mature mentality to fight for all titles, especially for a Champions League that has become the main goal of the season. That said, Flick also made it clear that the squad is not yet closed and that the dilemma remains that of the center forward.
Read more Ferran Torres challenges Barça: “Let them show they want me and come to negotiate”
The arrival of a center forward
If there is one issue the training camp has not resolved, it is that of the number nine. After Robert Lewandowski’s departure, Flick keeps the door open to the signing of a forward with a more associative profile. Julián Álvarez remains the favorite. “We have to wait. I have total confidence in Deco. We know we have to do something. It also depends on Ferran Torres,” explained the coach, referring to the Foios forward, who has PSG’s interest on the table.
Ferran Torres
“I have a contract but you never know”
Ferran Torres, scorer of the goal that gave Spain its second World Cup in history, is on a promotional tour in the United States. In an interview granted to the American program Today on NBC, the Spanish international avoided guaranteeing his continuity at Barcelona. “I have a contract with Barça, but in football you never know. I just hope to make the right decision,” he responded when asked about the team he will play for next season. Asked about his ideal club, Ferran replied with a phrase as brief as it is meaningful: “To be happy.” Luis Enrique’s PSG maintains its interest in the Valencian forward, although Barcelona insists they do not consider his departure and do consider a renewal. In any case, with a contract until June 2027, Ferran has not yet started talks with the club to extend his contract. Barcelona’s intention was to address the renewal once the summer market ends in September, provided no unexpected turn occurs in the coming weeks. This will not be Ferran Torres’s only interview. During his tour in the United States, which will last until next Thursday, he has scheduled others with the country’s main media such as CNN.
At the club, however, they do not consider his departure. In fact, during preseason Flick has publicly reiterated his confidence in the Valencian, who closed last season with 21 official goals, 16 of them in La Liga. The attacker, with a contract until June 2027, has not yet had contact with Barcelona either to discuss a possible renewal or regarding the interest from the French club, although the entity’s intention is to sit down to negotiate a contract extension starting in September.
While waiting, the coach did not rule out using Lamine Yamal as a false nine
Meanwhile, the coach continues exploring internal solutions. He has highlighted the versatility of Adeyemi and Gordon, two wingers capable of also playing inside, and did not rule out using Lamine Yamal again as a false nine. “He already played one or two matches in that position with us. He is a fantastic player, world-class, and can adapt to that role,” he explained.
Read more The low flow of Europe’s major rivers compromises nuclear power plants
Frenkie de Jong’s injury
Flick also downplayed the possibility of reinforcing the midfield despite Frenkie de Jong’s knee injury, who could undergo surgery next month if the stem cell treatment does not work.
The German downplays the need to reinforce midfield after Frenkie de Jong’s injury
Beyond the Dutchman, the coach has Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casadó for three positions, a competition that explains his calmness. Casadó, in fact, has lost prominence recently and the club has told him to listen to possible offers. Enough reasons for Flick to hint that, unlike the forward line, he does not consider the arrival of a defensive midfielder a priority. “Right now we have many midfielders. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks,” he stated. The same feeling applies to the central defender position, where the coach also considers the squad well covered.
The power of La Masia
Finally, the coach again focused on the talent of La Masia and assured that this generation offers a higher level than the one he found in his first season. Of the 17 youngsters who traveled to St. George’s Park, he especially highlighted the 16-year-old forward Ebrima Tunkara and the 17-year-old midfielder Orian Goren, as well as praising the performance of the versatile fullback Xavi Espart (19).
Also read
Another notable name was Jesse Bisiwu, the 18-year-old winger who joined just a few days ago. Although he has barely been able to work with him, Flick was satisfied with his first sessions and confirmed that he will continue to be part of the first team dynamics. “The plan is for him to stay with us,” he concluded.
Read more Fine of 320,000 euros imposed on Reggaeton Beach Festival for various abusive practices
